Avoidance of Academic Rigor

Schools have to help students see the value of academics, and that first begins by understanding the value system that exists in poverty. When the family does not value academics, children often reflect a similar value. Because entertainment is important in poverty, some parents and students may convey the idea to teachers that they do not want to be in a program that is not fun. Parents may even express the idea that they do not want their children to have to work that hard. Schools must show students and parents how getting a good education can benefit the family.

Meeting the demands of a gifted/talented program requires a student to have resources that may be lacking in the environment. Many gifted/talented programs are project oriented. School failure is often the result of missing resources.

Implications for Identification

The lack of resources is about opportunity not intellect.

Students who lack the resources necessary to be successful in school need schools that offset the lack of resources.

When shown how to do something and the necessary resources are present, how does the student perform?